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Tifton, like many towns today – especially those along the interstate – have had its share of crime and shootings in recent years.
In just the past few weeks, there have been reports of shots fired in neighborhoods, some striking homes and other buildings. And in recent months, some shootings have been fatal.
Many of these incidents involve teenagers.
All this has prompted Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman to take to social media Tuesday and make a plea to local parents and the community at large.
"Parents, listen up," Hyman wrote. "We have teenagers in our community with guns. They’re not just carrying them; they’re using them. They’re shooting at each other. They’re shooting at each other's homes. They’re putting you, your family, your neighbors, and innocent people in the crossfire.
"And every time we ask questions, we hear the same line: 'My kid wouldn’t do that,' or 'I don't know.' But someone’s kid is, and it might be yours."
The police chief told parents they either know, or should know, what their kids are doing – "who they are hanging out with or bringing into your house. If you don’t, it’s time to find out. Look in their rooms. Check their social media. Ask questions. Be involved. Don’t wait until you’re identifying them at the morgue, picking them up at the police station, or visiting them behind bars.
"Let’s be clear: The path that some are on leads to prison or the grave, and it doesn't have to be this way," Hyman said.
The Tifton chief is calling on parents, families, and "our juvenile justice system, our prosecutors, and every part of the court system to step in and step up. When young people are caught with guns, fighting, or putting others at risk, we need consequences, accountability, and consistency."
It is not too late to turn the situation around, Hyman said. "But it will take all of us — families, role models, law enforcement, schools, the courts, and community members — pulling in the same direction to reduce violent tendencies and protect our youth from each other."
As the police chief said, "We can’t keep losing our kids. Let’s do something about it before it’s too late; starting at home is Step One."
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